Three Years On Stronger Together

Three years ago APAG was formed out of necessity. What started with a handful of determined people has now grown into a movement of almost 3000 members standing together to protect our communities, our livelihoods, our countryside and the future for generations to come.

Looking back, few could ever have imagined how far we would come.

Over these three years there have been countless meetings, endless late nights, weekends sacrificed, thousands of leaflets delivered and an incredible amount of hard work carried out by ordinary people determined to make their voices heard.

One of the greatest achievements has been the overwhelming response from communities right across the TKUP corridor, with more than 10,400 objections submitted. The success of the Objection Tool played a huge part in this, allowing community voices to be properly heard and helping people submit high quality, detailed and effective objections. It empowered so many individuals who otherwise may never have known where to start.

While this is APAG's anniversary, it is important to recognise that many of the achievements we celebrate today have only been possible because of the combined efforts of community groups, landowners, businesses and individuals working together across the entire TKUP corridor. Each group has brought its own strengths, expertise and determination to the campaign, and together we have achieved far more than any one organisation could have achieved alone.

Together we have achieved things many thought impossible.

Thanks to the strength and determination of communities across the corridor, Angus Councillors objected to the proposals and secured the right to a Public Inquiry. In the weeks ahead we will continue that work through the Public Hearings process.

Perhaps one of the most significant developments has been the decision to scope Agriculture back into the Environmental Impact Assessment. After sustained pressure and tireless work from many individuals and groups, proper consideration must now be given to land loss, conductor safety, operational farming safety and the wider socio economic impact on agriculture and rural communities.

This was not handed to us. It was hard fought for.

For years many said these issues would never receive proper recognition, yet here we are proving that when communities stand together with determination, professionalism and unity, change can happen.

Today, however, we want to focus on thanking APAG members and supporters who have played such an important role in that wider effort.

Thank you to those who spoke at hearings.

Thank you to those who wrote incredible objection documents.

Thank you to those who fundraised tirelessly, allowing APAG and the wider campaign to engage experts, consultants and project managers.

Thank you to those who supported neighbours and communities quietly behind the scenes.

Thank you to every member who never gave up, even when the journey became exhausting.

Many people are understandably tired after giving so much for three years, but now more than ever we have everything to fight for.

We must continue with hope, confidence and determination.

Because this beautiful land, our communities and the future of generations to come are worth every ounce of effort.

Three years on and we are still standing strong.

Together we have already achieved what many believed impossible.

Together with our fellow corridor groups, we have shown what can be achieved when communities unite behind a common purpose.

And together we will keep going.